I Need Help

In 2009, 14 women in Massachusetts were killed in an intimate relationship. In one 24-hour period in 2009, 2,018 victims were served by domestic violence programs in the state. The numbers don’t lie: domestic violence is a deadly problem that’s not going away. That’s why we’re here for you, 24 hours a day, every day, with our domestic violence hotline numbers. So you can get the help you and your children need, when you need it most, to move from being victims to survivors.

About Our Agency

Your YWCA is leading the changes that improve women’s lives

Think you know the YWCA?

We might surprise you with our range of services and inspire you with the depth of our commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women.We’ve helped meet the needs of Western Massachusetts for over 140 years. Today, we’re leading the change in the way our community responds to domestic violence and in the resources available to victims of discrimination. And more than ever, we’re changing women’s lives by helping them reach their fullest potential.

I need help now

You don't need to spend one more day in an abusive relationship.

Abuse in an intimate relationship can range from cruel words to shattering blows. It victimizes women of every race, at every income level, in all types of relationships. It devastates families, and it's deadly. Over 1,600 women were victims of fatal intimate partner violence in 2007.

If your relationship is abusive, you don't need to wait for it to get better, or get worse. You have resources and support through the YWCA that can help you and your children move from being victims to being survivors.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, please call one of our 24 hour hotlines to speak to a trained, certified responder:

413-733-7100800-796-8711

If it is an emergency, call the police immediately at 9-1-1.

No one deserves to be abused. It is your right to live safely and protect yourself and your children!

Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence

MythDomestic violence is not a problem in my community.

FactThe YWCA of Western Massachusetts hotlines answered over 12,000 calls in 2009. Over 1,200 people received our domestic violence services, including counseling, safety planning, supervised visitation, and support groups.

MythDomestic violence only happens to poor women of color.

FactDomestic violence does not discriminate. It happens to all kinds of women, in all kinds of relationships. Persons of any class, religion, race, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims of domestic violence.

MythSome people deserve to be hit.

FactNo one deserves to be abused. The only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser. Physical violence, even among family members, is wrong and illegal.

Do's and Dont's of Surviving Domestic Violence

Do's

If you're in an abusive relationship:

Talk to your partner, if it's safe. Explain how you want to be treated.

Leave. Temporarily or permanently. Leaving temporarily tells your abuser that you won't let yourself or your children be mistreated.

Get help. Talk about your situation with someone supportive and trustworthy. Ask your neighbors or nearby friends to call the police if they hear violence. You may not be able to call in an attack.